The first time you ever put in your dentures can be a jarring and uncomfortable experience. Having a foreign object in your mouth for most of the day takes some getting used too. At the same time, you'll have to adjust and make time for some new and very important routines regarding the regular maintenance and hygiene of your dentures. In any case, the effort is worth it. A new set of dentures can change your life after you've lost your teeth to a disease or because of tooth decay, making it easier to eat and allowing you to feel confident about your smile once again. Whatever type of denture you may have, it's important to address the following. 

Why is it important to take care of your dentures?

Poorly maintained or ill-fitting dentures can cause a number of problems, some of them more serious than others. If your dentures are not regularly inspected for fit, function and cleanliness, you may experience annoying bouts of discomfort or even pain in your mouth. In particular, not washing your dentures after every meal means food, bacteria and sometimes plaque can get caught on them. This often results in bad breath.

How should you clean your dentures?

Cleaning your dentures is as easy as brushing regular teeth. After removing them from your mouth after a meal or at the end of the day, fill your sink about halfway with water. You'll want to wash your dentures above the sink to prevent them from breaking if they fall. Next, take a soft tooth brush and gently scrub them down. You can either use specially designed denture paste or a combination of warm water and soap to do this; however, regular toothpaste has been known to be too abrasive and can damage the dentures. 

While you have your dentures out of your mouth, it's also a good time to clean the gums that the dentures usually cover, as well as your tongue. As with your dentures, you'll want to use a soft toothbrush to do this to avoid causing any damage or irritation. 

What should you do with your dentures when you go to sleep? 

Dentures require water to stay in their proper shape. When you go to sleep, remove them from your mouth and submerge them totally in a glass or jug of cold water. Do not use hot water, as this can also affect the mould of your dentures. Removing your dentures every night will also prevent your mouth from becoming irritated because doing so gives it a chance to rest. 

In addition to following these cleaning and care tips, remember to see your dentist regularly for a check up. They will be able to see if there are any problems before they become too difficult to manage. 

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